Matches and special bets: Oppose Garcia against homegrown talent April 4, 2012 Bookmakers are falling over themselves to offer imaginative bets that will make you part with your hard-earned for the first big golf tournament of 2012. Coral, for instance, have introduced their exclusive Masters shotcast, which allows you to combine a choice of a winner and their margin of victory. But for those who find it [...]
Tie is far from finished, Di Matteo warns Chelsea April 4, 2012 CHELSEA manager Roberto di Matteo last night issued a stark warning to his players as they look to clinch another glamour Champions League semi-final against Barcelona with victory over Benfica. Only twice in the competition’s history has a team won away in the first leg and still crashed out, meaning the Blues, who lead 1-0, [...]
Messi shines as Barca progress April 4, 2012 BARCELONA 3 AC MILAN 1 BARCELONA superstar Lionel Messi claimed another record last night as his brace fired the holders into the Champions League semi-finals. Messi’s two penalties, which took his European tally for the season to a record-equalling 14, and a second-half Andres Iniesta goal downed AC Milan, who had held Barca to a [...]
Phenomenal McIlroy still improving, says Masters rival Scott April 4, 2012 NORTHERN Ireland’s Rory McIlroy is now an even more formidable contender for golf’s top prizes than when he won the US Open last year, according to Masters runner-up Adam Scott. McIlroy threatened to justify his teenage promise and claim his first Major at Augusta 12 months ago, only to succumb to the occasion and squander [...]
Result could have major knock-on effects April 4, 2012 TONIGHT’S match has huge repercussions not just for Chelsea, but also for their caretaker manager Roberto di Matteo. For the Blues, victory would add momentum to their recent revival at a vital time, when they are still fighting to finish in the Premier League’s top four. Defeat, on the other hand, could be a damaging [...]
Late rally gives England upper hand, says Finn April 4, 2012 ENGLAND paceman Steven Finn believes the tourists go into day two of their decisive second Test in Sri Lanka as slight favourites after late wickets shifted the balance of power back in their favour yesterday. The match appeared to following the pattern of last week’s defeat in Galle when captain Mahela Jayawardene steadied the hosts [...]
Porto fined for fans’ racist abuse April 4, 2012 FOOTBALL: Porto have been fined €20,000 (£16,630) after supporters racially abused Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli in a Europa League tie last month. The sanction handed down by Uefa is half the amount the European governing body fined Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger last week for improper conduct.
Ferguson’s war cry as United close in on title April 2, 2012 BLACKBURN 0 MANCHESTER UNITED 2 MANCHESTER United manager Sir Alex Ferguson last night warned rivals Manchester City his side are primed to fight to the bitter end to defend their title after two late goals increased their lead to five points. Wingers Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young struck in the last 10 minutes to earn [...]
Sacked Henson exits club No4 in 18 months April 2, 2012 WALES star Gavin Henson’s future in rugby was plunged into fresh doubt last night after he was sacked by Cardiff Blues for “unacceptable” alcohol-fuelled behaviour on a flight. The Blues terminated Henson’s short-term contract prematurely, making them the fourth club he has departed in just 18 months. Chief executive Richard Holland said the outfit’s management [...]
Strauss at ease as axe hovers over captaincy April 2, 2012 ENGLAND cricket captain Andrew Strauss insists he is not feeling under any extra pressure to win today’s second Test in Sri Lanka, despite a dire run and his own dreadful form raising doubts about his future. Last week’s 75-run defeat in Galle was England’s fourth consecutive Test loss and has heightened scrutiny of Strauss, who [...]